The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is demanding immediate answers and accountability following the circulation of a deeply concerning video. The footage, which surfaced publicly, shows a man lying motionless in the snow in an area near Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Community Leaders React with Heartbreak and Concern
Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, speaking on behalf of the PAGC, which represents 12 First Nations in the region, stated the organization was "heartbroken and deeply disturbed" by the video. The council has formally called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the man's condition, how long he was there, and the response timeline of emergency and hospital services.
"When our community members, our relatives, are in vulnerable situations, we expect and deserve a response that upholds their dignity and safety," Chief Hardlotte said in a released statement. The identity and current condition of the man in the video have not been publicly disclosed by authorities at this time.
Calls for Systemic Review and Action
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the treatment of vulnerable individuals, particularly from Indigenous communities, in urban centers like Prince Albert. The PAGC is urging not just a review of this specific event, but a larger examination of protocols and systemic issues that may have contributed to the situation.
The video was recorded and shared on social media on December 18, 2025, prompting widespread public outcry. Local advocates have echoed the PAGC's demands, emphasizing that such incidents cannot be ignored and must lead to concrete changes in how at-risk populations are assisted.
Official Response and Next Steps
The Prince Albert Police Service and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), which operates Victoria Hospital, have acknowledged they are aware of the video and are reviewing the matter. An SHA spokesperson confirmed that the location shown is near Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, but could not provide further details due to privacy laws.
The PAGC has requested a meeting with both police and health authority officials to discuss their findings and the steps being taken to prevent similar occurrences. Community leaders stress that the coming days will be critical for building trust and ensuring that a tragedy was averted in this instance, and that future ones are prevented.
"We need answers, and we need assurances," Chief Hardlotte concluded. "Our people deserve to feel safe and cared for in their times of greatest need. This video suggests a failure that we are committed to addressing."
